TSP: BASKETBALL

What is the Hunter Sport High School Basketball Program?

The program has been operating since 1998 and provides a unique opportunity for talented basketball players (boys and girls aged 12-18 years of age) within the Hunter Region to combine effectively academic and sporting excellence. The program includes:

• 2 x 1.5 hour on-court sessions per week for 40 weeks.
• Competitions at both a State and National Level.
• Sport Science Education.
• Strength & Conditioning component.
• AIS visit.
• Fitness Assessment twice a year at Balance Health Club
• Injury Rehabilitation Program
• Video analysis of technique(s)

How does the Program work?

• The program (HSHS Basketball Program) follows the National curriculum established by Basketball Australia’s National Intensive Training Centre Program (NITCP).
• The program has a heavy emphasis on individual offensive and defensive fundamentals and also teaches team principles of play.
• All players receive introductory information and instruction on sports nutrition, psychology, recovery, strength, agility and injury prevention.
• Players have the opportunity to gain certificates in coaching, refereeing, scoring and statistics.

What has the Program achieved?

• 2002 National Junior Girls Champions (Division 1)
• 2005 Hunter Regional Champions Open Boys and Girls and U/15
• 2006 U/15 reached NSW semi finals
• 2005 & 2006 Hunter Region Finalist Opens Boys and Girls
• 2006 Semi Finalists in NSWCHS Open Boys & U/15 Girls
• 2007 National Senior Boys Champions (Division 3)
• 2008 U/15 Boys and Girls Regional Champions
• Graduated players to AIS, WNBL, ABA, Youth League and US College System.

How does it link to Association/Community basketball?

All players are encouraged to participate in competitions conducted by Basketball NSW and undertake regular training outside of school hours. The program complements programs conducted by all local basketball associations.

Through our basketball network and relationships with National and State coaches all players are provided with a multitude of opportunities to enhance their basketball careers. Mikaela Dombkins a former member of Australia’s Sapphires (Under 23 Women’s Team) is a graduate of the Hunter Sports High School program.

Who are the Basketball Coaches?

• Head Coach – Tim Mallon (pictured below) is the former Assistant Coach for the Hunter Pirates/Newcastle Falcons in the NBL and the Assistant Coach for the Australian Crocodiles (Under 23 Mens Team) and former assistant Coach for the Australian Emus (under 20 Men’s Team), NSWIS and Head Coach of Newcastle Hunter and Maitland Mustangs ABA.
• Matthew McCann (pictured right) – Level 1 Coaching Certificate with 15 years playing experience

What does the program provide?

• Individual skill development.
• Team concepts.
• Fitness development and testing.
• Sports Science education.
• Guest coaching from National Coaches.
• AIS visit.
• State and National competitions.
• Organisational and time management skills.
• Interactive and positive learning environment.
• Fitness Assessments twice a year at Balance

Health Club,

• Video Analysis of skills Tim Mallon with the Junior Girls Team in Adelaide 2009
• Bi Annual Interschool Sporting Challenge with Henley Sports High School Adelaide.

The program is implemented with a full academic curriculum, with School Certificate recognition and linked HSC courses.

What do the players say about the Program?

“Hunter Sports High School provided a great opportunity for me to develop my skills, compete and win a National Schools Championship and enhance my love of the game of basketball, while continuing to undertake my School Certificate. From this beginning, I have been lucky enough to receive a scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport, represent Australia and participate in the WNBL. I thoroughly recommend the program, the coaches and school to all basketballers with ambition, talent and commitment……..you too could benefit from the experience.” Testimonial from Mikaela Dombkins (former student)

How do I apply?

To be part of this program prospective students need to obtain an application package from our web page. Students must participate in regular basketball competitions and undertake a trial early in term two, and provide supporting documentation as detailed in the application package. Note that students may be in any year, and acceptance and ongoing placement in the program is based on continued academic effort, acceptable attendance levels and an excellent behaviour record.

Students are supported by a school environment which caters for the academic and welfare needs of the talented athlete, allowing students to gain a quality education whilst still pursuing their sporting dreams.